These are incredibly easy to make, require no baking, and are packed with natural energy from oats, nuts, seeds, and fruit.
Yields: About 12-14 cookies
Prep time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats (use certified gluten-free if needed)
- ½ cup natural peanut butter or almond butter (drippy is best)
- ¼ cup honey or pure maple syrup (for vegan option)
- 1 large ripe banana, mashed (about ½ cup)
- ¼ cup raw pumpkin seeds
- ¼ cup raw sunflower seeds
- ¼ cup dried cranberries or raisins
- ¼ cup almonds, roughly chopped
- ¼ cup peanuts or cashews, roughly chopped
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Alternatively, you can press the mixture into a lined 8×8 inch pan to make energy bars.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed banana, peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Add the rolled oats, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, chopped almonds, chopped peanuts, dried cranberries, cinnamon, and pinch of salt to the wet ingredients.
- Combine Thoroughly: Use a spatula or your hands to mix everything together until all the dry ingredients are evenly coated with the wet mixture. It will be thick and sticky.
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Form the Cookies:
- For cookies: Scoop up about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and use your hands to roll it into a ball. Place it on the prepared baking sheet and gently press down to flatten it into a cookie shape. The mixture might be a bit crumbly at first, but the heat from your hands will help it bind.
- For bars: Transfer the entire mixture to the lined 8×8 inch pan. Press it down very firmly and evenly into the pan. Using the bottom of a flat glass or a measuring cup can help you compact it well, which is key for the bars to hold their shape.
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Chill to Set:
- Place the baking sheet or pan in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up. This step is essential for the cookies to hold their shape.
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Serve and Store:
- Once firm, your energy cookies or bars are ready to eat!
- Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
